KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 — The transition of power between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, must be done with propriety, wisely and orderly to avoid situations which can weaken the party, says Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz.
She said since the prime minister himself had said that he would discuss the matter with his deputy, it was only apt the power transition be carried out properly.
"Don't let it cause Umno to be weaker or create a rift in the party," she told a news conference after chairing the movement's meeting at the Putra World Trade Centre today.
Rafidah said it was crucial that the transfer of power by the top leadership be done at the right time to avoid aggravating the situation.
"We cannot force Datuk Najib to take over the country's leadership so soon without giving Datuk Seri Abdullah a chance to rectify the situation and stabilise the party. Umno's stability has to be ensured before the power transition can take place," she said.
Rafidah said the movement hoped that it would only involve the party president's post.
"With the power transition, there will be a new president and also prime minister. It is up to the new leader to appoint whoever he feels fit to be appointed as deputy prime minister," she said.
"It is not appropriate for us from the party to tell the (new) prime minister who should be his deputy. That is the prerogative of the prime minister."
On the Barisan Nasional's poor showing in the recent general election, Rafidah said it was due to external and internal factors, including the leadership and party policies. — Bernama
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